WIN AT ALL COSTS! The 2004 Boston Red Sox - Page 5

BostonRS14 · 04-08-2004, 04:08 AM

lol...MFYankees picked up Grudzilanek to play second...even the simulated Evil Empire can't help but over-spend....

yanksare · 04-08-2004, 09:33 PM

As we begin our journey into the 27th season that the New York Yankees take the crown as champions of the world, I believe we must pause for a moment and give thanks.

Give praise to Him from whom all blessings flow, give praise to Him all ye creatures here below. Give praise to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Now I don't consider myself to be a religious man, however times like these remind me of my old sunday school class as a youth and some of the songs we would screech out in praise. Indulge me for a second if you will and let's look at this hymn from a national pastime perception. Who could the father be? Of course it has to be our favorite parental figure of George "Who's your daddy?" Steinbrenner. The son has to be Joe Torre and the holy ghost. Oh, I don't know, could it be the Sultan of Swat? Oh I think it could. The Bambino lives on and if you don't believe me, then just ask our favorite 2nd place team, the Boston Bean Eaters.

All this Biblical talk has me worked up. Oh in case you have not had a chance to see Mel Gibson's latest film, I highly recommend you check it out. I realize that we all know how it ends, but that shouldn't stop us from seeing it. Think of it this way. We all know that by October the Bronx Bombers will be tuning up for their victory parade and that AAA team from New England will be watching FOX, but we still like to see the Socks fold before the Babe's very eyes.

Until next time, Fight the Power!!!

Sal

AZTarHeel · 04-09-2004, 01:59 AM

The Second Series - Yankee Stadium!!
Game 1: April 23, 2004

It's Millar Time
Tenth-inning homer lifts Boston over Yankees

Kevin Millar did his best Aaron Boone imitation.

In Boston's first game back at Yankee Stadium since Boone's walk-off homer in game seven of the ALCS, Millar hit an extra innings long ball to lift the Sox past New York 8-4.

A wild pitch from Gabe White had just scored the go-ahead run in the top of the 10th before Millar ripped a three-run shot to deep left-center to ice it. Granted, the homer didn't have the same significance as Boone's last season but it did help heal some wounds left by the 2003 heartache.

"We're really playing some good ball these days," said Millar, who has become a regular starter over the past week. "(White) just grooved a pitch, and I swatted it out. What is that -- four wins in a row for us now?"

The game also marked a resurgence for Manny Ramirez, who has been in Terry Francona's doghouse most of this season for his less-than-stellar play and attitude. He went 3-for-5 with an RBI and made an amazing catch at the fence in the bottom of the eighth, saving a Matsui home run.

Trot Nixon was 3-for-4 with three runs scored... Johnny Damon extended his hitting streak to 15 games... Mike Timlin got the win, his first of the season...

AZTarHeel · 04-09-2004, 02:07 AM

A few other notables that I forgot to post earlier, for those care about these kinds of details...

Monday 4/19/2004 :
American League-Player of the Week:
RF Vladimir Guerrero (ANA)!
He batted .385 in 26 AB, with 4 HR and 7 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
LF Jeff Conine (FLO)!
He batted .480 in 25 AB, with 2 HR and 8 RBI.

Saturday 4/17/2004 :
Trade between Atlanta and Cleveland :
Cleveland gets :
3B Mark Derosa
Atlanta gets :
P David Riske
RF Ryan Goleski

Tuesday 4/20/2004 :
CIN: Jason Larue sets a new single game NL-Record for Doubles with 4!

Wednesday 4/21/2004:
CLE: Cliff Lee was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Torn Rotator Cuff Muscle.
He is definitely out for the season!

Friday 4/23/2004 :
CLE: Omar Vizquel gets his 2000th career hit!!

AZTarHeel · 04-10-2004, 04:02 PM

Game 1: Boston 8, New York 4
For highlights see above

Game 2: Boston 6, New York 4
Highlights: The Red Sox hang on as the Yankees rally late... Trailing 5-0, New York scores 4 in the bottom of the seventh, two on walks with bases loaded (argg--relief pitching!!)... Derek Lowe makes up for his dreadful start in the last series at Fenway (chased in the second inning after giving up seven runs), struggling only in the seventh frame after tiring...

Johnny Damon triples in the ninth to extend his hitting streak to 16 straight games. But he pulls his groin on the play and will be about 90 percent healthy for the next 7-10 days... that hurts as he's been a great lead-off guy and leads the majors in stolen bases (14)...

The Boss doesn't look happy afterward, knowing that his Bronx boys have now lost two in a row at home to the Beantowners. He wonders aloud if signing that multi-million dollar extension with Joe Torre was such a good idea... Reporters overhear his mutterings...

Game 3: New York 11, Boston 5
Highlights: Though the Yanks lose the home stand 2-1, they definitely get in the last word... It's 3-3 in the bottom of the sixth when Pedro Martinez tires... Ramiro Mendoza gives up a solo HR, and New York ignites from there... Again Boston walks in a couple of runs (actually one was on a hit batsman)...

Martinez doesn't get a decision so remains 4-0... Mendoza takes the loss though he's not the only one to blame as Scott Sauerbeck and Scott Williamson also struggle mightily out of the pen... This could be the Achilles' heel for this team... Gabe Kapler makes a nice start for Damon, though Damon does come in late in the game to keep his hitting streak alive at 17 games... Kevin Millar's hitting streak is now at 12 games...

Lots of Red Sox's playes are tired so the rest day coming up will be welcomed... what to do with Damon? Play him and risk further injury or sit him out for the week?

TexasLonghorns · 04-12-2004, 01:28 PM

Have to say I love the dynasty mainly because I do like the Red Sox and am a diehard Yankee Hater

AZTarHeel · 04-13-2004, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BostonRS14
lol...MFYankees picked up Grudzilanek to play second...even the simulated Evil Empire can't help but over-spend....

Here;s the trade New York used to pick up Grudzilanek..

April 1, 2004
Trade between Chicago (N) and New York (A) :
New York (A) gets :
2B Mark Grudzielanek
Chicago (N) gets :
C Dioner Navarro
RF Estee Harris
SS Hector Made

AZTarHeel · 04-14-2004, 03:16 PM

Hello all, Bill here again with some more "Views from Section 100."

Actually, the views tonight are from Who's On First, a bar near the park that my boys Don, Hank and I watched the last Red Sox-Yankees game from.

Boy did we blow one tonight. You couldn't ask for a better set-up: the chance to sweep the Bronx boys at Yankee Stadium with Pedro on the hill. Yet, in what is becoming a theme that alarms me more than that Mexican chili I bought for lunch yesterday -- our bullpen blows up, and the Yanks win going away. Ouch.

So once again, the day after a game seven with New York, Boston isn't going to be playing baseball. OK, it's only April. And the game seven is only #7 in the regular season series. And Boston isn't playing today because it's a rest/travel day. But a lot of us here in Boston have that punched-in-the-gut feeling kind of like last October's right now. But this time we can't blame Grady Little or Aaron F..., well you know, Boone...

We just have ourselves to blame and our shaky bullpen consisting of Scott "Go ahead and walk 'em" Williamson and Scott "Lefty leave 'em on base" Sauerbeck" and Keith "I'll give up two or three hits before I decide to close the game" Foulke. The only decent reliever right now is Timlin, and he's about as old as I am. Good grief...

OK, I'm being a bit harsh I know. We're still in first in the AL East going into our set with the Devil Rays, with a great chance to extend that lead some. But we Beantowners get a little nervous when the armor starts to show some chinks, and we've definitely seen that in the first few weeks of the season...

At least Manny is starting to hit a little better. I hope they don't trade him, though Don and Hank think we should dump him for better pitching, maybe a second baseman who can hit. We'll see...

Until next time, pray for the Nation (and our Nation's bullpen)... We need it...

Cheers,
Bill

AZTarHeel · 04-15-2004, 04:34 AM

Red Sox trade for bullpen help
Prospect shipped to Anaheim after relievers blow another lead

Boston Globe * April 28, 2004

It didn't take long for Boston to get some bullpen help.

After watching the Red Sox's pen blow another chance for a win, this time to Tampa Bay in the eighth and ninth innings on Monday, Boston management pulled the trigger on the first trade of the regular season.

The Sox pick up RHP Brendan Donnelly from Anaheim in exchange for outfield prospect David Murphy, 22, who had been playing for Boston's Single A club.

Donnelly started the season on the DL for Anaheim and has only pitched in 1 1/3 innings. He has allowed just one hit.

"Our scouts really like Brendan," said manager Terry Francona. "He's a five-star guy in our book. We wanted him because he can get lefties and righties out and doesn't have the propensity to give up walks like we've seen here so far. He should see a lot of innings for us."

Donnelly is expected to be in uniform when Boston takes on Tampa Bay tonight. LHP Scott Sauerbeck, one of the goat's in last night's 7-6 loss to Tampa Bay, has been sent down to AAA Pawtucket. He leaves with an ERA over 8.00.

While trying to win it all this year made the move necessary, according to Francona, Boston may regret trading Murphy some time in the future. He was one of the top players in an already thin Boston farm system.

The latest bullpen collapse once again left starter Curt Schilling without a decision. Schilling trailed 4-2 when he exited in the seventh, but Boston evened the score in the bottom of the frame after a solo HR by Kevin Millar and an RBI double by Bill Mueller.

But in the eighth, Alan Embree gave up two straight hits and a run. Nomar Garciaparra evened it up at 5-5 with his solo HR in the bottom of the eight.

But again, Boston relievers couldn't keep the Rays off the board. Sauerbeck walked two batters and runners advanced on a passed ball. Closer Keith Foulke came in with the bases loaded and promptly gave up a single to Geoff Blum. Tampa finished with 17 hits.

"We hope Donnelly joining us will cut down on finishes like this," Francona said as Boston fell to 13-8...

BigLou · 04-15-2004, 08:30 PM

very nice story

AZTarHeel · 04-15-2004, 10:18 PM

New reliever makes instant impact
Brendan Donnelly gets "W" in Sox debut

Brendan Donnelly traded the "A" on his cap for a "B" earlier this week.

The relief pitcher definitely gets an "A-plus" for his effort in his first game as a member of the Boston Red Sox. Donnelly saved the Sox from another bullpen collapse -- and got his first win of the season -- as Boston topped Tampa Bay 8-7.

Red Sox relievers Scott Williamson and Mike Timlin blew a 7-1 lead in the sixth and seventh innings, and Tino Martinez's three-run homer tied the score 7-7.

Enter Donnelly, who flew into town earlier in the day and barely made it to Fenway just in time for warm-ups. Donnelly struck out two in the eighth and another in the ninth, surrendering just one hit.

Kevin Millar's walk-off RBI single scored Johnny Damon for the win in the bottom of the ninth. Boston's biggest inning came in the third when they scored five runs. Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, Jason Varitek and Millar each had two hits.

Millar extended his hitting streak to 14 games. Byung-hyun Kim was named game MVP for throwing a four-hitter and striking out six.

AZTarHeel · 04-16-2004, 03:56 PM

Whew! Perfect outing for bullpen in rout

The Boston Globe * April 29

Boston fans may have been sweating a little when starter Derek Lowe exited in the top of the seventh with two outs.

Even though the Red Sox held a 10-run lead over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, no lead has seemed safely lately when the bullpen takes over.

Fortunately, Ramiro Mendoza proved as steady as you can be -- tossing a no-hitter for the last 2 1/3 innings -- and the Sox enjoyed a 12-2 bashing of the Rays at Fenway. Mendoza only struck one but got Tampa players to hit a lot of routine grounders and fly-ball outs.

"We've really been letting this team down of late," Mendoza said afterward. "We know how serious management is about winning, so in a sense our job is on the line every time we step out there. We've already seen one pitcher demoted for not getting it done."

Boston plated all of its runs in the first four innings. Ellis Burks, Kevin Millar and Manny Ramirez all homered, with Burks' three-run shot in the fourth giving him a career high six RBIs on the day.

The Sox improve to 15-8 and take a three-game lead in the AL East over Tampa, New York and Baltimore.

For the first time this season, Boston will play a non-division opponent, beginning a series at Texas later today. Pedro Martinez (4-0) is the scheduled starter for the Sox.

AZTarHeel · 04-16-2004, 04:24 PM

Just some questions for those of you reading this thread:

• Is the format working OK? I probably won't continue to write game-by-game reports, just for the milestone contests and around the time big things happen to the team... I like the series reports that I've seen others use

• I'll probably do a monthly/twice monthly roundup where I post standings and other notables like stat leaders, who's hot and who's not, etc.

• I like putting graphics in the reports when possible... adds more realism...

I feel like a real beat writer for MLB or something, trying to come up with unique stuff as we plod along through a 160+ game season... I'm used to simming seasons rather quickly, so this is kind of new to me...

Hope everyone continues to enjoy... Feel free to join in...

TexasLonghorns · 04-16-2004, 10:13 PM

I think a monthly update would be easier but i'll still be reading either way. And enjoy reading great baseball.

AZTarHeel · 04-17-2004, 12:54 AM

** Breaking News **
Gordon's career over; Matsui demoted

The latest news coming out of the New York Yankees organization:

--> It's official. Tom "Flash" Gordon's baseball career is over. The 36-year-old reliever tore a back muscle in the Thursday, April 29 contest against Oakland. Specialists have said Gordon will never pitch again due to the severity of the injury.

Gordon's career ends with a 114-108 record. He was 1-1 this season. Adrian Hernandez and Alex Graman have been promoted from AAA Columbus to fill the void. Hernandez was 1-3 in Columbus. Graman was 3-1...

--> On April 23, the Yankees made a surprise move, sending outfielder Hideki Matsui down to AAA. 1B Tony Clark moved onto the active roster... Matsui was hitting .214 with three home runs...

Editor's note: Wow, the boss made a strange move there...

Teddyballgame · 04-17-2004, 08:50 PM

This is the most fascinating dynasty thread. I'm really gettting into reading this, great job!!!

I should start visiting this forum more often.

yanksare · 04-17-2004, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AZTarHeel

Hope everyone continues to enjoy... Feel free to join in... [/b]

10 reasons it's better to be a Yankees fan than a Red Sox fan:

AL Pennants: NY 39, Bos 10

World Series titles: NY 26, Bos 5

Last Division Title: NY 2003, Bos 1995

Lifetime Series: NY 1047 wins, Bos 854

Season series titles since 2000: NY 4, Bos 0

A-Rod plays for: New York

Babe Ruth

Bucky Dent

Aaron Boone

1918

Yours Truly,

Sal

AZTarHeel · 04-18-2004, 09:00 PM

Texas Three-Step
Red Sox sizzle during sweep of Rangers
April 29-May 2, 2004

The Texas Rangers won't mind that Boston isn't coming back to the Ballpark at Arlington this season. The struggling team bid good ridance to the Red Sox after getting swept in a three-game set. Boston is in the midst of a five-game winning streak right now, while the Rangers may need to completely overhaul its pitching staff, which was shelled on two of the three nights...

Here are the details:

Game 1: Boston 5, Texas 2
Highlights: The Beantown bullpen proved nearly perfect in preserving Pedro Martinez's fifth victory of the season (5-0). Mike Timlin gave up a harmless hit, and that was it. Alan Embree, Brendan Donnelly and Keith Foulke didn't allow a single runner to reach the last 2 innings.

Offensively, Kevin Millar, Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz all parked balls outside the Arlington stadium's walls. The three players have hit a combined 17 HRs so far (6 each for Millar and Ortiz and 5 for Ramirez)...

Game 2: Boston 9, Texas 4
Highlights: The Sox started early, getting four runs in the first inning off Chan Ho Park. They finished with 14 hits in all for the game. Ellis Burks, who has been seeing more starting time of late with the injury to Johnny Damon, went yard twice (second time this season he's done that!!)

The three lead-off men -- Kevin Millar, Bill Mueller and Manny Ramirez -- each had two hits. So did Pokey Reese, Trot Nixon and Doug Mirabelli.

Winning pitcher: Tim Wakefield. He didn't have his best stuff, but still improved to 3-0. Not bad for a number five starter with an ERA near 6.00. You know you've got a good offensive team behind you when...

Game 3: Boston 10, Texas 0
Highlights: Definitely the gem of the bunch. The first six Boston hitters of the game got hits, and five scored before the end of the first inning. Texas starter Kenny Rogers got chased after getting just one out in the first. The Rangers poor closer came in around the fifth inning and threw close to 100 pitches...

The Sox pounded out 17 hits and seven different players had RBIs. No homers in this one, but Boston didn't need any...

Curt Schilling picked up the win. He wanted to go the distance and get a complete game shutout, but Terry Francona pulled him after 100 pitches in the bottom of the eighth. "No need to kill him right now," the manager said.

"I know Curt wasn't happy to see me visit him, but when we can save him 10 or 20 pitches in a blowout like this at this time of year, we need to do that..."

The ending should give confidence to the bullpen. Scott Williamson worked himself (FINALLY!!) out of a bases loaded jam in the eighth. His ERA is finally back under 10.00...

Next up: a trip to Jacobs Field in Cleveland...

Also, we'll run down what happened in April, both in Boston and around the Majors...

AZTarHeel · 04-18-2004, 09:07 PM

Here are the current MLB standings on May 3, 2004...

Sorry about the formatting... The Magic Number for Boston is down to 134...

AL East
Boston 18 8 0.692 -
Tampa Bay 13 11 0.542 4
Baltimore 14 12 0.538 4
New York (A) 13 13 0.5 5
Toronto 10 15 0.4 7.5

AL Central
Minnesota 17 7 0.708 -
Chicago (A) 11 13 0.458 6
Cleveland 11 14 0.44 6.5
Detroit 9 16 0.36 8.5
Kansas City 7 17 0.292 10

AL West
Team W L PCT GB
Seattle 18 8 0.692 -
Anaheim 13 12 0.52 4.5
Oakland 13 12 0.52 4.5
Texas 8 17 0.32 9.5

NL East
Montreal 15 11 0.577 -
New York (N) 13 12 0.52 1.5
Philadelphia 11 13 0.458 3
Florida 10 15 0.4 4.5
Atlanta 9 15 0.375 5

NL Central
St. Louis 18 7 0.72 -
Houston 17 8 0.68 1
Chicago (N) 11 14 0.44 7
Cincinnati 11 14 0.44 7
Pittsburgh 11 14 0.44 7
Milwaukee 9 16 0.36 9

NL West
San Francisco 17 9 0.654 -
Arizona 15 9 0.625 1
Los Angeles 13 11 0.542 3
Colorado 11 13 0.458 5
San Diego 8 18 0.308 9

AZTarHeel · 04-18-2004, 09:19 PM

Boston Leaderboard

BATTING AVERAGE
Johnny Damon .373
Kevin Millar .366
David Ortiz .346

HOME RUNS
Ellis Burks 7 (2, 2-HR games)
David Ortiz 6
Kevin Millar 6
Manny Ramirez 5

RBIS
David Ortiz 22
Kevin Millar 22
Manny Ramirez 20

STOLEN BASES
Johnny Damon 14
Tony Womack 6
Pokey Reese 4

PITCHING RECORDS
Pedro Martinez 5-0, 1.94 ERA
Curt Schilling 3-1, 2.25 ERA
B.K. Kim 0-2, 3.56 ERA (the hard-luck guy right now)
Derek Lowe 3-1, 5.86 ERA
Tim Wakefield 3-0, 5.87 ERA

SAVES
Keith Foulke 4
no one else has any...

STRIKEOUTS
Pedro Martinez 47
Curt Schilling 37
Tim Wakefield (!) 24

OTHER TEAM STATS/NOTABLES
* Kevin Millar is on an 18-game hitting streak...
* Manny Ramirez, who started about .160 after 10 games, is .471 in his last five...
* Team batting average: .290 (6th in the league)
* Team HR's: 40 (2nd)
* Team runs: 171 (3rd)
* Team ERA: 3.98 (6th)
* Opponent's average: .248 (5th)
* Fan Interest: 92 (1st --

)

INJURIES:
* Johnny Damon has been hobbled with a groin pull... he's got about a day or two left before he's full strength...

04-08-2004, 04:08 AM	#81 (permalink)
BostonRS14 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Red Sox Nation/Baltimore Posts: 551	lol...MFYankees picked up Grudzilanek to play second...even the simulated Evil Empire can't help but over-spend.... __________________ Dynasty Another Rolling Rally: Building Dynasties in Boston Red Sox: 2007: 93-69, .574, 2nd AL East, 1st WC, 1-3 LDS. MLSB Washington Nationals \| BAI Boston Red Sox \| AMB Boston Red Sox

04-08-2004, 09:33 PM	#82 (permalink)
yanksare Bat Boy Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 9	Gotham Gazette Issue #1 As we begin our journey into the 27th season that the New York Yankees take the crown as champions of the world, I believe we must pause for a moment and give thanks. Give praise to Him from whom all blessings flow, give praise to Him all ye creatures here below. Give praise to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Now I don't consider myself to be a religious man, however times like these remind me of my old sunday school class as a youth and some of the songs we would screech out in praise. Indulge me for a second if you will and let's look at this hymn from a national pastime perception. Who could the father be? Of course it has to be our favorite parental figure of George "Who's your daddy?" Steinbrenner. The son has to be Joe Torre and the holy ghost. Oh, I don't know, could it be the Sultan of Swat? Oh I think it could. The Bambino lives on and if you don't believe me, then just ask our favorite 2nd place team, the Boston Bean Eaters. All this Biblical talk has me worked up. Oh in case you have not had a chance to see Mel Gibson's latest film, I highly recommend you check it out. I realize that we all know how it ends, but that shouldn't stop us from seeing it. Think of it this way. We all know that by October the Bronx Bombers will be tuning up for their victory parade and that AAA team from New England will be watching FOX, but we still like to see the Socks fold before the Babe's very eyes. Until next time, Fight the Power!!! Sal

04-10-2004, 04:02 PM	#85 (permalink)
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,193	Game 1: Boston 8, New York 4 For highlights see above Game 2: Boston 6, New York 4 Highlights: The Red Sox hang on as the Yankees rally late... Trailing 5-0, New York scores 4 in the bottom of the seventh, two on walks with bases loaded (argg--relief pitching!!)... Derek Lowe makes up for his dreadful start in the last series at Fenway (chased in the second inning after giving up seven runs), struggling only in the seventh frame after tiring... Johnny Damon triples in the ninth to extend his hitting streak to 16 straight games. But he pulls his groin on the play and will be about 90 percent healthy for the next 7-10 days... that hurts as he's been a great lead-off guy and leads the majors in stolen bases (14)... The Boss doesn't look happy afterward, knowing that his Bronx boys have now lost two in a row at home to the Beantowners. He wonders aloud if signing that multi-million dollar extension with Joe Torre was such a good idea... Reporters overhear his mutterings... Game 3: New York 11, Boston 5 Highlights: Though the Yanks lose the home stand 2-1, they definitely get in the last word... It's 3-3 in the bottom of the sixth when Pedro Martinez tires... Ramiro Mendoza gives up a solo HR, and New York ignites from there... Again Boston walks in a couple of runs (actually one was on a hit batsman)... Martinez doesn't get a decision so remains 4-0... Mendoza takes the loss though he's not the only one to blame as Scott Sauerbeck and Scott Williamson also struggle mightily out of the pen... This could be the Achilles' heel for this team... Gabe Kapler makes a nice start for Damon, though Damon does come in late in the game to keep his hitting streak alive at 17 games... Kevin Millar's hitting streak is now at 12 games... Lots of Red Sox's playes are tired so the rest day coming up will be welcomed... what to do with Damon? Play him and risk further injury or sit him out for the week? Last edited by AZTarHeel : 04-10-2004 at 04:04 PM.

04-17-2004, 08:50 PM	#96 (permalink)
Teddyballgame Major Leagues Join Date: May 2002 Location: Boston Posts: 324	This is the most fascinating dynasty thread. I'm really gettting into reading this, great job!!! I should start visiting this forum more often. __________________ The roads in America are paved with cheese

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04-09-2004, 01:59 AM	#83 (permalink)
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,193	The Second Series - Yankee Stadium!! Game 1: April 23, 2004 It's Millar Time Tenth-inning homer lifts Boston over Yankees Kevin Millar did his best Aaron Boone imitation. In Boston's first game back at Yankee Stadium since Boone's walk-off homer in game seven of the ALCS, Millar hit an extra innings long ball to lift the Sox past New York 8-4. A wild pitch from Gabe White had just scored the go-ahead run in the top of the 10th before Millar ripped a three-run shot to deep left-center to ice it. Granted, the homer didn't have the same significance as Boone's last season but it did help heal some wounds left by the 2003 heartache. "We're really playing some good ball these days," said Millar, who has become a regular starter over the past week. "(White) just grooved a pitch, and I swatted it out. What is that -- four wins in a row for us now?" The game also marked a resurgence for Manny Ramirez, who has been in Terry Francona's doghouse most of this season for his less-than-stellar play and attitude. He went 3-for-5 with an RBI and made an amazing catch at the fence in the bottom of the eighth, saving a Matsui home run. Trot Nixon was 3-for-4 with three runs scored... Johnny Damon extended his hitting streak to 15 games... Mike Timlin got the win, his first of the season...

04-09-2004, 02:07 AM	#84 (permalink)
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,193	A few other notables that I forgot to post earlier, for those care about these kinds of details... Monday 4/19/2004 : American League-Player of the Week: RF Vladimir Guerrero (ANA)! He batted .385 in 26 AB, with 4 HR and 7 RBI. National League-Player of the Week: LF Jeff Conine (FLO)! He batted .480 in 25 AB, with 2 HR and 8 RBI. Saturday 4/17/2004 : Trade between Atlanta and Cleveland : Cleveland gets : 3B Mark Derosa Atlanta gets : P David Riske RF Ryan Goleski Tuesday 4/20/2004 : CIN: Jason Larue sets a new single game NL-Record for Doubles with 4! Wednesday 4/21/2004: CLE: Cliff Lee was injured while pitching. Diagnosis: Torn Rotator Cuff Muscle. He is definitely out for the season! Friday 4/23/2004 : CLE: Omar Vizquel gets his 2000th career hit!!

04-12-2004, 01:28 PM	#86 (permalink)
TexasLonghorns Major Leagues Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 302	Have to say I love the dynasty mainly because I do like the Red Sox and am a diehard Yankee Hater

04-14-2004, 03:16 PM	#88 (permalink)
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,193	Hello all, Bill here again with some more "Views from Section 100." Actually, the views tonight are from Who's On First, a bar near the park that my boys Don, Hank and I watched the last Red Sox-Yankees game from. Boy did we blow one tonight. You couldn't ask for a better set-up: the chance to sweep the Bronx boys at Yankee Stadium with Pedro on the hill. Yet, in what is becoming a theme that alarms me more than that Mexican chili I bought for lunch yesterday -- our bullpen blows up, and the Yanks win going away. Ouch. So once again, the day after a game seven with New York, Boston isn't going to be playing baseball. OK, it's only April. And the game seven is only #7 in the regular season series. And Boston isn't playing today because it's a rest/travel day. But a lot of us here in Boston have that punched-in-the-gut feeling kind of like last October's right now. But this time we can't blame Grady Little or Aaron F..., well you know, Boone... We just have ourselves to blame and our shaky bullpen consisting of Scott "Go ahead and walk 'em" Williamson and Scott "Lefty leave 'em on base" Sauerbeck" and Keith "I'll give up two or three hits before I decide to close the game" Foulke. The only decent reliever right now is Timlin, and he's about as old as I am. Good grief... OK, I'm being a bit harsh I know. We're still in first in the AL East going into our set with the Devil Rays, with a great chance to extend that lead some. But we Beantowners get a little nervous when the armor starts to show some chinks, and we've definitely seen that in the first few weeks of the season... At least Manny is starting to hit a little better. I hope they don't trade him, though Don and Hank think we should dump him for better pitching, maybe a second baseman who can hit. We'll see... Until next time, pray for the Nation (and our Nation's bullpen)... We need it... Cheers, Bill

04-15-2004, 04:34 AM	#89 (permalink)
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,193	Red Sox trade for bullpen help Prospect shipped to Anaheim after relievers blow another lead Boston Globe April 28, 2004* It didn't take long for Boston to get some bullpen help. After watching the Red Sox's pen blow another chance for a win, this time to Tampa Bay in the eighth and ninth innings on Monday, Boston management pulled the trigger on the first trade of the regular season. The Sox pick up RHP Brendan Donnelly from Anaheim in exchange for outfield prospect David Murphy, 22, who had been playing for Boston's Single A club. Donnelly started the season on the DL for Anaheim and has only pitched in 1 1/3 innings. He has allowed just one hit. "Our scouts really like Brendan," said manager Terry Francona. "He's a five-star guy in our book. We wanted him because he can get lefties and righties out and doesn't have the propensity to give up walks like we've seen here so far. He should see a lot of innings for us." Donnelly is expected to be in uniform when Boston takes on Tampa Bay tonight. LHP Scott Sauerbeck, one of the goat's in last night's 7-6 loss to Tampa Bay, has been sent down to AAA Pawtucket. He leaves with an ERA over 8.00. While trying to win it all this year made the move necessary, according to Francona, Boston may regret trading Murphy some time in the future. He was one of the top players in an already thin Boston farm system. The latest bullpen collapse once again left starter Curt Schilling without a decision. Schilling trailed 4-2 when he exited in the seventh, but Boston evened the score in the bottom of the frame after a solo HR by Kevin Millar and an RBI double by Bill Mueller. But in the eighth, Alan Embree gave up two straight hits and a run. Nomar Garciaparra evened it up at 5-5 with his solo HR in the bottom of the eight. But again, Boston relievers couldn't keep the Rays off the board. Sauerbeck walked two batters and runners advanced on a passed ball. Closer Keith Foulke came in with the bases loaded and promptly gave up a single to Geoff Blum. Tampa finished with 17 hits. "We hope Donnelly joining us will cut down on finishes like this," Francona said as Boston fell to 13-8...

04-15-2004, 08:30 PM	#90 (permalink)
BigLou Minors (Double A) Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 107	very nice story

04-15-2004, 10:18 PM	#91 (permalink)
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,193	New reliever makes instant impact Brendan Donnelly gets "W" in Sox debut Brendan Donnelly traded the "A" on his cap for a "B" earlier this week. The relief pitcher definitely gets an "A-plus" for his effort in his first game as a member of the Boston Red Sox. Donnelly saved the Sox from another bullpen collapse -- and got his first win of the season -- as Boston topped Tampa Bay 8-7. Red Sox relievers Scott Williamson and Mike Timlin blew a 7-1 lead in the sixth and seventh innings, and Tino Martinez's three-run homer tied the score 7-7. Enter Donnelly, who flew into town earlier in the day and barely made it to Fenway just in time for warm-ups. Donnelly struck out two in the eighth and another in the ninth, surrendering just one hit. Kevin Millar's walk-off RBI single scored Johnny Damon for the win in the bottom of the ninth. Boston's biggest inning came in the third when they scored five runs. Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, Jason Varitek and Millar each had two hits. Millar extended his hitting streak to 14 games. Byung-hyun Kim was named game MVP for throwing a four-hitter and striking out six.

04-16-2004, 03:56 PM	#92 (permalink)
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,193	Whew! Perfect outing for bullpen in rout The Boston Globe April 29* Boston fans may have been sweating a little when starter Derek Lowe exited in the top of the seventh with two outs. Even though the Red Sox held a 10-run lead over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, no lead has seemed safely lately when the bullpen takes over. Fortunately, Ramiro Mendoza proved as steady as you can be -- tossing a no-hitter for the last 2 1/3 innings -- and the Sox enjoyed a 12-2 bashing of the Rays at Fenway. Mendoza only struck one but got Tampa players to hit a lot of routine grounders and fly-ball outs. "We've really been letting this team down of late," Mendoza said afterward. "We know how serious management is about winning, so in a sense our job is on the line every time we step out there. We've already seen one pitcher demoted for not getting it done." Boston plated all of its runs in the first four innings. Ellis Burks, Kevin Millar and Manny Ramirez all homered, with Burks' three-run shot in the fourth giving him a career high six RBIs on the day. The Sox improve to 15-8 and take a three-game lead in the AL East over Tampa, New York and Baltimore. For the first time this season, Boston will play a non-division opponent, beginning a series at Texas later today. Pedro Martinez (4-0) is the scheduled starter for the Sox.

04-16-2004, 04:24 PM	#93 (permalink)
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,193	Just some questions for those of you reading this thread: • Is the format working OK? I probably won't continue to write game-by-game reports, just for the milestone contests and around the time big things happen to the team... I like the series reports that I've seen others use • I'll probably do a monthly/twice monthly roundup where I post standings and other notables like stat leaders, who's hot and who's not, etc. • I like putting graphics in the reports when possible... adds more realism... I feel like a real beat writer for MLB or something, trying to come up with unique stuff as we plod along through a 160+ game season... I'm used to simming seasons rather quickly, so this is kind of new to me... Hope everyone continues to enjoy... Feel free to join in...

04-16-2004, 10:13 PM	#94 (permalink)
TexasLonghorns Major Leagues Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 302	I think a monthly update would be easier but i'll still be reading either way. And enjoy reading great baseball.

04-17-2004, 12:54 AM	#95 (permalink)
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,193	Breaking News Gordon's career over; Matsui demoted The latest news coming out of the New York Yankees organization: --> It's official. Tom "Flash" Gordon's baseball career is over. The 36-year-old reliever tore a back muscle in the Thursday, April 29 contest against Oakland. Specialists have said Gordon will never pitch again due to the severity of the injury. Gordon's career ends with a 114-108 record. He was 1-1 this season. Adrian Hernandez and Alex Graman have been promoted from AAA Columbus to fill the void. Hernandez was 1-3 in Columbus. Graman was 3-1... --> On April 23, the Yankees made a surprise move, sending outfielder Hideki Matsui down to AAA. 1B Tony Clark moved onto the active roster... Matsui was hitting .214 with three home runs... Editor's note: Wow, the boss made a strange move there...

04-18-2004, 09:00 PM	#98 (permalink)
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,193	Texas Three-Step Red Sox sizzle during sweep of Rangers April 29-May 2, 2004 The Texas Rangers won't mind that Boston isn't coming back to the Ballpark at Arlington this season. The struggling team bid good ridance to the Red Sox after getting swept in a three-game set. Boston is in the midst of a five-game winning streak right now, while the Rangers may need to completely overhaul its pitching staff, which was shelled on two of the three nights... Here are the details: Game 1: Boston 5, Texas 2 Highlights: The Beantown bullpen proved nearly perfect in preserving Pedro Martinez's fifth victory of the season (5-0). Mike Timlin gave up a harmless hit, and that was it. Alan Embree, Brendan Donnelly and Keith Foulke didn't allow a single runner to reach the last 2 innings. Offensively, Kevin Millar, Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz all parked balls outside the Arlington stadium's walls. The three players have hit a combined 17 HRs so far (6 each for Millar and Ortiz and 5 for Ramirez)... Game 2: Boston 9, Texas 4 Highlights: The Sox started early, getting four runs in the first inning off Chan Ho Park. They finished with 14 hits in all for the game. Ellis Burks, who has been seeing more starting time of late with the injury to Johnny Damon, went yard twice (second time this season he's done that!!) The three lead-off men -- Kevin Millar, Bill Mueller and Manny Ramirez -- each had two hits. So did Pokey Reese, Trot Nixon and Doug Mirabelli. Winning pitcher: Tim Wakefield. He didn't have his best stuff, but still improved to 3-0. Not bad for a number five starter with an ERA near 6.00. You know you've got a good offensive team behind you when... Game 3: Boston 10, Texas 0 Highlights: Definitely the gem of the bunch. The first six Boston hitters of the game got hits, and five scored before the end of the first inning. Texas starter Kenny Rogers got chased after getting just one out in the first. The Rangers poor closer came in around the fifth inning and threw close to 100 pitches... The Sox pounded out 17 hits and seven different players had RBIs. No homers in this one, but Boston didn't need any... Curt Schilling picked up the win. He wanted to go the distance and get a complete game shutout, but Terry Francona pulled him after 100 pitches in the bottom of the eighth. "No need to kill him right now," the manager said. "I know Curt wasn't happy to see me visit him, but when we can save him 10 or 20 pitches in a blowout like this at this time of year, we need to do that..." The ending should give confidence to the bullpen. Scott Williamson worked himself (FINALLY!!) out of a bases loaded jam in the eighth. His ERA is finally back under 10.00... Next up: a trip to Jacobs Field in Cleveland... Also, we'll run down what happened in April, both in Boston and around the Majors...

04-18-2004, 09:07 PM	#99 (permalink)
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,193	Here are the current MLB standings on May 3, 2004... Sorry about the formatting... The Magic Number for Boston is down to 134... AL East Boston 18 8 0.692 - Tampa Bay 13 11 0.542 4 Baltimore 14 12 0.538 4 New York (A) 13 13 0.5 5 Toronto 10 15 0.4 7.5 AL Central Minnesota 17 7 0.708 - Chicago (A) 11 13 0.458 6 Cleveland 11 14 0.44 6.5 Detroit 9 16 0.36 8.5 Kansas City 7 17 0.292 10 AL West Team W L PCT GB Seattle 18 8 0.692 - Anaheim 13 12 0.52 4.5 Oakland 13 12 0.52 4.5 Texas 8 17 0.32 9.5 NL East Montreal 15 11 0.577 - New York (N) 13 12 0.52 1.5 Philadelphia 11 13 0.458 3 Florida 10 15 0.4 4.5 Atlanta 9 15 0.375 5 NL Central St. Louis 18 7 0.72 - Houston 17 8 0.68 1 Chicago (N) 11 14 0.44 7 Cincinnati 11 14 0.44 7 Pittsburgh 11 14 0.44 7 Milwaukee 9 16 0.36 9 NL West San Francisco 17 9 0.654 - Arizona 15 9 0.625 1 Los Angeles 13 11 0.542 3 Colorado 11 13 0.458 5 San Diego 8 18 0.308 9

04-18-2004, 09:19 PM	#100 (permalink)
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,193	Boston Leaderboard BATTING AVERAGE Johnny Damon .373 Kevin Millar .366 David Ortiz .346 HOME RUNS Ellis Burks 7 (2, 2-HR games) David Ortiz 6 Kevin Millar 6 Manny Ramirez 5 RBIS David Ortiz 22 Kevin Millar 22 Manny Ramirez 20 STOLEN BASES Johnny Damon 14 Tony Womack 6 Pokey Reese 4 PITCHING RECORDS Pedro Martinez 5-0, 1.94 ERA Curt Schilling 3-1, 2.25 ERA B.K. Kim 0-2, 3.56 ERA (the hard-luck guy right now) Derek Lowe 3-1, 5.86 ERA Tim Wakefield 3-0, 5.87 ERA SAVES Keith Foulke 4 no one else has any... STRIKEOUTS Pedro Martinez 47 Curt Schilling 37 Tim Wakefield (!) 24 OTHER TEAM STATS/NOTABLES * Kevin Millar is on an 18-game hitting streak... * Manny Ramirez, who started about .160 after 10 games, is .471 in his last five... * Team batting average: .290 (6th in the league) * Team HR's: 40 (2nd) * Team runs: 171 (3rd) * Team ERA: 3.98 (6th) * Opponent's average: .248 (5th) * Fan Interest: 92 (1st -- ) INJURIES: * Johnny Damon has been hobbled with a groin pull... he's got about a day or two left before he's full strength...